The implementation of quarantine to curb the spread of COVID-19 required a number of companies and businesses to stop their on-ground operations—which has eventually led to a loss in business revenues and unemployment. The Department of Labor and Employment reported in a press briefing today, June 10, that at least 2,068 establishments in the country have closed down due to the pandemic.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III also said that it has rendered around 69,022 workers jobless.

“Ang actual number of unemployed ay umaabot lamang po sa 69,000 at ang mga nagsabi na nagsara sila ay 2,068 companies or employers. ’Yung 7.3 million ay survey palang po ’yan, hindi pa po ’yan actual or factual,” Bello said.

Bello disputed data from the government that totalled the number of job losses to 7.3 million, clarifying that this was only a survey.

To help alleviate the effects of the pandemic on the labor sector, Bello reported that they are eyeing to subsidize employers in order to maintain their workforce.

Abroad, more than 300,000 Filipinos have also been displaced by COVID-19. Bello also said last June 4 that they will need P20 billion to fund its proposed cash subsidy program for micro, small and medium enterprises and prevent more job losses. Under the proposal, DOLE will subsidize 25 to 50 percent of the salary of MSME workers.

Header photo courtesy of Grig Montegrande from Philippine Daily Inquirer

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